Do your bit to give a sick child some Xmas cheer

?CHRISTMAS is just six weeks away but there is still time for you to do your bit to make a sick child happy this winter.

The Observer is asking you to help bring a little festive cheer to children facing the prospect of spending Christmas in hospital by buying an extra present for our Toy Appeal 2011.

X-Factor hopeful and Harrow resident Johnny Robinson has already backed the annual appeal, after leaving the show last week.

Councillor Bill Stephenson, leader of Harrow Council – which is kindly helping us by collecting donated toys at its libraries – has this week pledged his support and is calling on readers to take part.

Mr Stephenson said: “When children across Harrow are excitedly opening their Christmas presents, it is really tough for those who have to spend the festive season in hospital away from home.

“For many years the Harrow Observer, supported by the generosity of Harrow residents, has helped lift the spirits of sick children at Northwick Park by donating presents for them.

“The council is delighted to once again offer its good offices to this heartwarming appeal by collecting toys at all of our libraries. I am asking all residents to give generously to this local appeal.”

Anybody wanting to help with the appeal can drop their gift in at any of the 11 libraries across Harrow, during opening hours, where they will be collected in the lead up to Christmas and delivered to children in Jack’s Place ward at Northwick Park Hospital.

In previous years, the gifts have been distributed by local celebrity Santas including X-Factor’s Katie Waissel, pop sensation Kate Nash, chart-topping band Scouting for Girls and TV presenter Fearne Cotton.